Territorial Supreme Court Docket

Historical Note

Scope and Content

This series contains the first known docket book created by the clerk of the Utah Supreme Court. The docket book begins with an entry dated September 22, 1851 and ends on March 22, 1857. The first page of the book discusses the basic organization of the Territorial Supreme Court and provides the names of the first justices appointed to serve. The first 75 pages of the docket formalize the organization and implementation of Supreme Court proceedings in the territory. Business recorded on these pages includes appointments, rules of the court, and meeting minutes. Throughout the book there are multiple pages dedicated to the appointment of both territorial justices as well as the appointment of attorneys in the territory. Near the end of the book there is a brief register of action for cases heard by the Supreme Court between 1853 and 1856.

Arrangement

Chronological by date.

Related Records

Utah Reporter from the Supreme Court, Series 1481, contains the earliest published opinions of the Utah Supreme Court, many of which were issued by justices whom appear in this docket book.

Docket from the District Court (First District), Series 25973, contains court cases and other assorted court business taking place at the same time in the Territorial 1st District Court.

Access Restrictions

This series is classified as Public.

Preferred Citation

Cite the Utah State Archives and Records Service, the creating agency name, the series title, and the series number.

Processing Note

This docket book was removed from the office of the Utah Supreme Court and transferred to the Utah State Archives in July 2005. Archival processing of the book was completed by Jim Kichas in August 2007.